Post updated on 02 May 2022
2020 was a year in which our lives changed a lot to our lives and our experiences.
I won’t analyse the whole situation, but as this is a travel blog, I think I have an obligation to update you about the situation in Greece regarding coronavirus and what measures Greece has taken regarding tourism.
I am going to update this post as often as possible and I am also going to answer your questions, so feel free to ask me in the comments and I will add the information to the post.
I will try to use official information and I will put sources as this is a very important subject.
In this post, you will find
- What is the situation right now with the coronavirus cases?
- What do you need to know before travelling to Greece?
- What are the local measures now?
- What are the vaccination metrics in Greece as of today?
What is the situation right now with the coronavirus cases?
As of 01 May 2022, Greece reports 3.328.623 cases and 29.175 deaths. More information about the daily statistic you can find on the Worldometer website here.
On 02/05/2022, 4.701 new coronavirus cases were announced and 22 new deaths.
What should I know before travelling to Greece?
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
All passengers arriving in our country from any destination abroad do not need to fill in the online PLF form before arrival in Greece.
All travelers to Greece will be able to enter the country without presenting a digital covid certificate which indicates whether someone has been vaccinated against Covid-19, a recovery certificate or a negative test.
Source: UK Government
What are the local measures now?
Wearing a mask
The Greek government has announced that it is still mandatory to wear masks (either double surgical masks or N95 masks) in all indoor public spaces, in all areas of Greece.
Public spaces and services
All restrictions remain under regular review. In Regional Units (περιφερειακές ενότητες) where the spread of COVID-19 is particularly high and hospital capacity is limited, restrictions may be tighter or re-imposed with limited notice. Check the latest local guidance and follow the advice of local authorities.
Only the most relevant measures to travellers are included below. You should keep up-to-date by checking this page regularly and following local announcements.
As restrictions may vary, you should check the latest local guidance.
- From 1 May, proof of vaccination is not required anymore to enter public spaces such as shops, restaurants (indoor and outdoor) and museums.
- You must use a facemask in all indoor public and communal spaces. In certain areas, such as in supermarkets and pharmacies, and on public transport, you will be required to wear either double masks (at least one of which should be surgical), or an N95/FFP2 mask.
Travel in Greece
Travel within Greece between Regional Units is permitted subject to adherence to public health measures as outlined above. You can wear either double masks (at least one of which should be surgical) or an N95/FFP2 mask at all times on all public transport.
If you are travelling by internal (domestic) flights, specific measures relating to check-in, baggage allowances and other details may be in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus. You should check with your operator directly for further detail.
Accommodation
All hotels are permitted to open, and other types of accommodation, including e.g. Airbnb, private rentals and hostels, are also available. You should check directly with your accommodation provider in case of related concerns.
Healthcare in Greece
If you think you have symptoms, including fever or respiratory difficulties such as shortness of breath or a cough, you should avoid visiting local health facilities, but contact a doctor remotely to see whether a test is recommended. There is likely to be a cost associated with this, for call out, examination and testing, which you will have to pay.
If you are staying in a hotel or resort, your accommodation provider will have a list of private doctors that they will call to assess your symptoms and conduct a COVID-19 test.
If you have arranged your own accommodation you can find details of English speaking, private doctors on our list of healthcare providers.
If you are tested and the result is positive, the Greek authorities will ask you to quarantine until advised otherwise. You may be able to remain in your existing accommodation or be required to transfer into a state hospital or other government-provided accommodation. Costs related to transfer to alternative accommodation and treatment at state healthcare facilities will be covered by the Greek Government. The nature of your accommodation may differ from the specifications of your pre-booked hotel, villa or other places of stay. Depending on local arrangements, travellers in groups may be required to stay in separate accommodation (e.g. if a sufficient number of rooms is not available in one venue, your group may be spread across different accommodation locations).
Source: UK Government
What are the vaccination metrics in Greece as of today?
- 7.911.039 Vaccinated with at least one dose (73,8%)
- 7.617.200 2 doses vaccinated (71,1%)
- 5.816.488 booster vaccinated (55,2%)
Source: Emvolio.gov.gr
If you have any specific question, please leave me a comment and I will reply as soon as possible.
Hi SecretGreece
We are staying on the island of Kea and are looking for a centre to have a PCR test before we fly back to the UK on Saturday. Do you happen to know anywhere on the island?
Thank you
Hi Georgina.
I am afraid that I couldn’t find any lab in kea. Not sure if you can ask there at the tourism office.
Otherwise, you might need to spend a day in Athens and do the test there.
Is there any possibility of an antigen test being accepted by the UK? Because in that case, you might do the antigen test at the airport. There is a lab for both PCR (result up to 24 hours) and antigen.
Hi! I am coming with 3 other women in Sept. We planned to rent a car to get around Paros, but I just read about the vehicle passenger restriction. Will they truly not let 4 of us in one standard sized car?
Hi Valerie,
I don’t think that you have any issue about the number of the passenger.
From what I know this restriction was valid during winter times but now I believe you can be 4 people in a car!
You can double check with the rent-a-car company just to be sure 100%!
Hi there! I am looking to go to Greece from Sept 1- 12. I’ve been to Mykonos and Santorini before and wanted to go to a less touristy island that still has great restaurants, cafes, beaches, etc. Do you have any suggestions as to where the locals go? My friend recommended Paros but I heard that is very touristy as well. In addition, do you think it is a bad idea to travel to Greece right now due to Covid and I should wait until next year? Thank you!
Hi Mariam,
There are so many different options and I think I will write a dedicated post about choosing Greek island as I am asked this question quite often!!
Paros and Naxos have gained quite a popularity in the past years, but they are quite large (especially Naxos) and have different choices and things to do.
Now if you want something less touristy, there are the below choices:
Tinos: This is a more wild island than Mykonos and Santorini and its beauty lies in its mainland picturesque villages. It has nice beaches and amazing Greek food! The main town Chora is not as quaint as the other Cyclades.
Serifos: Very nice island, quite wild and small. It has one main village which is very beautiful and a small village next to the harbour with taverns, bars etc and that’s it! I doubt that you can stay there for 12 days! And of course, it has amazing beaches, but not organised(no sunbeds, umbrellas etc)
Syros: Large island (capital of Cyclades), with unique and wonderful main town. I mean the Ermoupoli town is just amazing. One of the most beautiful town-cities in Greece. The rest of the island isn’t so picturesque and Syros doesn’t have so nice beaches. Note that the focus of the island is Ermoupoli, where all the hustle and bustle is
Sifnos: This is easily combined with Serifos. Sifnos has also amazing Greek food, picturesque villages but not great beaches!
Naxos as a said is very big and quite touristy but you can combine this island with one of the smaller islands like Koufonisia or Donousa, which are very small but just amazing with beautiful beaches. I have written some travel guides about them! You can have a look.
Finally to answer your last question. To be frank it is a strange year and many things can change daily, like measures, restrictions etc, which can make your holidays more complicated. Also, I don’t know how do you feel travelling during this situation. Personally, I visited 4 islands at the beginning of the island but that’s just me. If you don’t feel comfortable, Greece will be here also next year and will wait for you!!!!
Hello,
Like Chara I am looking for a PCR test centre on Lemnos for my unvaccinated 14 year old son as he needs a PCR test to reenter Ireland where we live from Greece. I tried calling the numbers you gave but couldn’t get someone who spoke English. Do you know if they offer this service? Thank you. Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I just called and I managed to find someone on the 2nd phone ( Vouleli Alexandra) and they told me that they indeed do a PCR test.
Hope this will help you!
Hi SecretGreece,
Many thanks for all the helpful information here.
This is a real long shot, but do you know of any testing facilities on Lemnos please? My boss will need one before flying back to the UK (via 24 hours in Switzerland) on 20/7 and I’m struggling to find anything useful!
Many thanks in advance for any guidance you’re able to provide!
Hi Chara,
I have found two diagnostic centres that probably process covid19 pcr tests.
One is Euromedica (Panteleli Marianthi, 2ο km Mytilene – Kalloni, Mytilene, 81100, +30 2251042101) and the other is ( Vouleli Alexandra, Kavetsou 40, Mytilene, Βουλέλλη Αλεξάνδρα, tel. +30 2251046656).
Try to call them and find out if they are process PCR coronavirus tests.
Hope they will help you!
Let me know if you need anything else.
Regards,
Dimitris
Thank you so much Dimitris, I’ll call them now. Really appreciate your help 🙂
Hi,
I was planning a week trip at the end of July and moving between Mykonos, Paros and Athens. We haven’t had both vaccinations, does this mean we will require tests in order to travel between the islands via ferry?
Thanks,
Hi Hayley.
As you know the measures can change quite often. But based on what we know today on 21/06, for the routes between the islands you will not need any health statement form or tests or vaccinations etc.
But if you want to travel from a main harbour, ie Athens to the islands, then you will need to provide one of the below
– Full vaccination certificate
– Negative result of PCR test carried out up to 72 hours before departure
– Negative result of the rapid test carried out up to 24 hours before departure
– Negative result of a Covid-19 self-test carried out up to 24 hours before departure (the result is declared either in writing on the printed or web version of the health declaration form or through the self-test result declaration platform for Greek citizens, as well as on the pre-boarding form)
– Official confirmation of Covid-19 infection minimum 2 months and maximum 9 months before the departure date
Children under the age of 5 are exempt from the negative Covid-19 test requirement.
All travellers must complete their health statement form before their embarkation to their ship.
Hi SecretGreece,
Absolutely lost on my itinerary for my first trip to Greece in summer. I will have at least ten days (saving a day or 2 for Athens). I rather explore a few places/islands well than hopping around (because I shall come back again). I think I should include Santorini but not Mykonos. Paros too famous? I am more interested in less famous islands. Beaches, good food, small villages, slow pace, exploration by foot are my priorities. Any tips/suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Wilma
Hi Wilma. I do understand your issue! I am also lost sometimes on which island to select!
So, based on what you said, I would recommend three islands.
One is Koufonisia, which is quite small, but has incredible beaches, slow pace and you can explore it on foot! The only drawback is that it hasn’t villages to explore as you want.
The second is Tinos, which also has nice beaches, amazing food, picturesque villages, but it can not be discovered on foot.
Sorry, but maybe exploring villages and exploring on foot can be contradictory or extremely difficult!
The third, which is also small but far less touristy from both of the above, is Donousa. I was there the previous week (going to upload a post the next weeks). It has amazing beaches, like Koufonisia, 3 villages (one the main and the other two very small but you can go there on foot), nice food (nothing breathtaking though) and a slow pace.
I hope I didn’t make your decision more difficult! I am here to help you if you want.
Hi coming the end of June to Mýkonos Syros Paros from the us….Keep hearing no music in bars or on the beach??curfew 1230..do you think this might change…
Hi Carol,
I am afraid that you are right! Now, no music is allowed in restaurants, bars, cafes etc and the curfew indeed it is till 00.30.
But, they say that these restrictions will be lifted after 15/06. So, fingers crossed!
I will try to update the blog post as soon as there is anything official!
Hello. Is it possible to get the rapid Covid test in Koufonisia and Mýkonos? I need one before returning to the UK. If so, how much are they please?
Hi Steven,
In Mykonos there is a clinic that provides pcr and rapid test, which is this one. Just for your information, the cost is set by law to be 20 euros for the rapid and 60 euros for the pcr.
Koufonisia is very small, so I am not sure that you can do a rapid test there, but I will keep an eye in case the municipality there announces anything.
hi, thank you for updating this blog. very interesting indeed. i plan to visit Crete, Mykonos and Koufonisia. do you know how easy is to get the covid 19 test to check if negative from greece? do you have a list of doctors/places how to book your test for return to your own country?
regarding my journey:
what you recommend, spend more time in crete at the beginning or at the end of the holiday? i am sure that koufonisia is the most relaxing place, but i still have to take many transports to go back to crete. so checking what you would do with these 3 places in mind.
Also, which part of Crete have the best sandy or snorkelling beaches? which is the best part of the island in your opinion?
sorry for the many questions,
thank you again!
Mary
Hi Mary!
I would love to help you, but I don’t have too much information. But I will try my best! If you want something more specific you can send us an email!
1) It is easy to get a coronavirus test in a private hospital or laboratory if you depart from big cities like Heraklion or Chania. If you mention to me your departure airport I can check if I know any facility to do the test.
2) I love all 3 places, as each one offers something different. The logistics of this itinerary is quite vital. And Koufonisi is marvellous, but maybe it will make your life more difficult. Also, as you might already know, Heraklio is a better choice to visit Mykonos as there is a direct ferry. But Chania is more picturesque! Anyway, answering your question, my recommendation would be that if you fly from Crete to your country, then Crete should be your last part of your holidays. Because if i.e is Koufonisia the last part, then if something happens through all the transport to Crete and the airport then you can miss your flight.
3) Chania Region is my strong preference as it has a lovely town and beautiful sandy beaches. For snorkelling, I have heard that there are many places in Chania region, like Souda, Kalyves, Iguana, Elafonissi, Gramvoussa etc. But if you select Heraklio then I think you will find some places for snorkelling and some nice beaches.
Let me know if you have another question. I would be glad to help you if I can!
Flying from the US to Greece, hoping to stay in Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens. Can you confirm if we are allowed to island hop or if we have to stay in one town/county during our stays like some other countries? We will have proof of vaccinations.
How likely do you think it is that Greece will welcome visitors starting May 14? Is there a high chance this date gets pushed back further into summer?
Hi Chelsea!
From what that have been announced and from my personal view, I think you will be able to travel from May 14 with vaccination proof, as the minister of Tourism announced officially. And yes, you will be able to hop from one island to the other without any issue. But again, these things can change quickly depending on the pandemic. So, just check the news when the dates are coming close to your holidays. I wish I could give you a definite answer but I don’t think that even the government can say sth with absolute certainty right now! Let’s hope that this pandemic will be over soon ..
Planning a Paros stay May – July, but still hesitant to complete booking because of travel restrictions; mainly no US tourists allowed currently. Any local gossip as to when Greece will drop the exclusion of US visitors? I’m good getting tested, but not being allowed to visit Paros again is breaking my heart.
Hi John. I know how you are feeling. We are waiting as well for the restrictions to be lifted!
To be frank, till now we are still in lockdown here in Greece, officially till 1/03 but the rumours say that this will be extended till 15/03. It is discussed here in Greece that the restrictions will be lifted at some point and the citizen might be allowed again to come to Greece, but no one knows when or how (maybe showing a copy of a recent coronavirus test or vaccination proof etc)
Let’s wait a little bit, as these things can change rapidly.
Cruising from Venice to Istanbul. We will be stopping in Santorini, Athens, and Paros. Are there any tests, papers, codes, that we need for one day trips?
Hi Janet. When are you planning to go? At this moment, you won’t need any extra tests or papers for a one day trip. Only the tests and papers to come into Greece. But right now Athens and Santorini are in red zones and they have additional measures in place (closed shops, restaurants, curfews etc)